Mobile News 3 Days

Last updated: July 17, 2026, 11:30 PM ET

Smartphone Updates and New Releases

Motorola has issued a statement to clarify its software update policy for the Edge 70 Max, addressing confusion surrounding its support for the device. Meanwhile, leaks suggest that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8 series may feature only minor camera upgrades, with the Z Flip 8 potentially seeing a price hike despite no hardware improvements according to leaks. Samsung's upcoming foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Fold 8 Ultra, are reportedly set to receive a significant battery life boost. In a surprising move, Amazon is offering a substantial $300 discount on the Google Pixel 10 Pro ahead of the Pixel 11 launch.

Several new smartphone models are also on the horizon. The global Redmi Note 17 Pro's memory options have been revealed, and a teardown video of the device has surfaced. Renders and specifications for the Redmi 17 4G have also leaked. The Tecno Camon 50 Ultra has launched in India, priced at INR39,999. The vivo T5 Lite has officially arrived in India with a Dimensity 6300 SoC and a 6,500mAh battery. The iQOO Z11 Lite is slated for launch on July 24, with pricing expected to be under INR20,000 in India. Oppo is preparing to launch the standard K15 next week, featuring an 8,000mAh battery and an in-built cooling fan. The Poco X8 and X8 Pro Max may soon be joined by a vanilla Poco X8, as suggested by HyperOS source code. The Lava Virat V1 and Virat V1 5G's specifications have been revealed, with their launch rescheduled to July 24. A new One Plus N6 series model, the One Plus N6x, has been teased to launch soon.

In software news, Motorola has regarding the Edge 70 Max's software update policy, following an editorial highlighting its confusing approach. Android 17 QPR1 Beta 7 has been released, addressing several long-standing issues reported by Pixel users. Xiaomi has surprisingly rolled out a stable Android 17 update to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Xiaomi, though it is based on Hyper OS 3.0 and lacks new features. Google is expanding its Connected Apps experience in AI Mode to include AI-assisted grocery shopping and playlist creation through Instacart and YouTube Music. Google is also reportedly preparing a redesign for the Android Auto media player, aiming to simplify album art display and song shuffling. Apple has quietly introduced a significant change for Car Play with iOS 27.

Tablets, Laptops, and Wearables

The Redmagic Astra, a new gaming tablet, has been released and is described as an improvement over last year's model, featuring liquid cooling and an OLED panel. The 12.2-inch Asus Pad is set to launch in India on August 6. Infinix is also working on a new tablet, the Xpad 30 Pro, with its specifications appearing in a retailer listing. Lenovo's Idea Pad Flex 3i Chromebook is currently available at a 40% discount on Amazon.

In the wearable market, Vital Signals is introducing a ring capable of continuous blood pressure monitoring, aiming to revolutionize hypertension management. Withings' new ultra-premium bathroom scale, priced at $600, is now available for purchase. The EU has introduced exemptions to its removable battery rule for smartwatches, fitness trackers, and earbuds, with the broader legislation taking effect in February 2027.

Smart Home and Entertainment

Samsung's Freestyle+ projector is now available for $1,200, notable for its ability to project on uneven surfaces. The XGIMI Elfin Flip 4K offers a portable and stylish design with sharp video quality at a competitive price. Wii M Sound is being touted as a superior smart speaker option, outperforming offerings from Google, Amazon, and Sonos with better sound and connectivity.

Apple's streaming box, the Apple TV 4K, has seen a price increase, prompting users to consider alternatives like Fire TV or Roku. Pinwheel's Home series has debuted, offering a modern landline phone experience for children with a focus on screen-free communication. Netflix has released a "VHS" special edition of Stranger Things season, with potential for more seasons to follow if the initial release garners sufficient viewership.

AI, Software, and Industry Trends

Google is preparing to allow third-party app stores on Android starting July 22. Google's XR product lead has emphasized the importance of trust for the success of AI glasses, stating that anti-tampering protections are being built into Android XR from the outset. In the realm of AI-generated content, Suno has brought its AI music generation capabilities to iMessage, though a hacker reportedly accessed Suno's source code detailing song scraping practices. Netflix has reported using AI in approximately 300 titles this year, with plans to continue this trend. OpenAI's rumored AI smart speaker is also being discussed. A study has found that Google's AI features pose "unacceptable risks" to children.

There's now an API for accessing posts from top accounts on Truth Social. The Oversight Board has expressed concerns that leading AI models might be restricting free expression. In the gaming industry, Microsoft faces accusations of unfair labor practices from video game unions, and MLB has banned the use of dugout iPads for AI-powered in-game strategy calls.

Other Tech News

Zoox has issued a software recall for its robotaxis due to potential confusion with smoke. Tesla is selling a $225 balance bike for toddlers. A bug in AWS caused some customer bills to spike dramatically, though Amazon stated that displayed estimates did not reflect actual usage A bug in. Coca-Cola's dairy company, fairlife, has been impacted by a ransomware attack, leading to a halt in US operations. The FCC is planning to revise local TV station ownership rules. Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is investigating TikTok's child safety measures. Hinge users can now solicit endorsements from friends for their profiles. SpaceX has been deorbiting Starlink satellites, a process that scientists are continuing to study for environmental impacts. Elon Musk has acquired a gas turbine company, likely for direct power supply to Space XAI's data centers. Honda is officially discontinuing its only electric vehicle in the US, the electric SUV developed in collaboration with GM.

In storage news, Amazon is offering discounts on UGREEN NAS servers. Signal is testing the ability to use an Android phone or tablet as a secondary device. Wireless Android Auto utilizes both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for its functionality. Google Maps' leaf icon indicates eco-friendly routes, but users should be aware of its specific meaning.

Samsung is reportedly investigating why some Galaxy S26 Ultra screens are turning red. There are rumors that Samsung might discontinue its free storage upgrade perk for upcoming Galaxy foldables, and this pre-order perk may not be available for the Galaxy Z Fold, Fold 8 Ultra, and Flip 8. Samsung is also adding Amazon Music as a pre-installed app on Galaxy phones. Some Samsung Health users received a notice requesting consent for their health data to be used for AI training.

Valve appears to be discontinuing self-repair parts for the LCD Steam Deck at iFixit.

Nvidia GeForce Now is now available in India, with free, Performance, and Ultimate tiers.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has returned to its Prime Day price.

Marshall's Milton ANC headphones have a notable drawback despite otherwise positive expectations.

Sonos has introduced tab navigation and speaker sorting to its mobile app.

The Muse 300 is a DAC with a unique custom OS, distinctive design, and impressive sound quality.

Skullcandy's Crusher 1080 headphones combine haptic bass with quiet active noise cancellation.

Verizon Fios has boosted its fastest plan to 5Gbps.

The Prime Video series "God of War" will reshoot episodes with a new lead actor due to an injury sustained by the previous actor.

Most smart appliances collect data, and users can find out what information is being tracked by their devices Most smart appliances